In this file photo, Sen. Frank Lautenberg speaks during a news conference on the need to continue funding for ocean water quality testing.

Written by

Malia Rulon Herman
| Gannett Washington Bureau

Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey said Tuesday he has no immediate plans to retire, despite last month's announcement from Newark mayor and fellow Democrat Cory Booker that he's interested in running for Lautenberg's seat.

"I've got a lot of work to do yet - serious things," Lautenberg said. "We pride ourselves... on getting things done. And that's the focus. I'm not thinking about the politics right now."

If Lautenberg wins re-election, he will be nearly 90 when sworn into a new term in January 2015. ...